Chapter 13: The Executive Branch

Question 1

In general, what are agencies?

Answer 1

A subunit of a cabinet department.

Question 2

What does an appropriation do for federal agencies?

Answer 2

Gives them legal authority to spend money from the U.S. Treasury.

Question 3

Define bureaucracy.

Answer 3

A large, complex organization characterized by a hierarchical set of offices, each with a specific task, controlled through a clear chain of command, and where appointment and advancement of personnel is based on merit.

Question 4

What is bureaucratic discretion?

Answer 4

Their ability to judge for themselves the best way to implement laws/orders/executive actions/etc.

Question 5

What is bureaucratic implementation?

Answer 5

The actions taken by the bureaucracy in service of its mission of executing the laws of the United States.

Question 6

How are civil servants employed?

Answer 6

Under the merit system, not politically appointed like the president or other major positions.